When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
Updated 11/7/2025
Whether you are ready to cruise AIA in a new convertible or you need something affordable to help you navigate the nearly 4,000 miles of roads in Jacksonville* and nearby areas, it's wise to know the best time to buy a car. Whether you are new to Northeast Florida or a long time resident, there are a few tips for when to buy a car.
Planning your purchase around these times can save you money. Sometimes, those savings can equal thousands of dollars. It can be tempting to visit a dealership as soon as you’ve saved up enough money, but before you give in to temptation, take a look at the ideal times we’ve outlined below:
Wait Until the End
Car sales employees have quotas to make, so if you wait to the end of their quota timeline, you’ll have more negotiating power and be more likely to get a better deal. How do you know what their quota timelines are? Well, most car dealerships follow the same timelines with quotas that need to be met several times throughout the year.
End of the Year
Most car dealership sales employees have a big, year-end quota they have to meet. If possible, wait until December to visit a dealership, because that is a surefire way to get the best deal on a car.
End of the Month
If you can’t wait until the end of the year, try going a couple of days before the end of the month. Most sales employees have smaller monthly quotas they need to meet, so visiting a dealership on the last few days of the month can incentivize salespeople to give you a better deal, especially if they’re trying to earn a monthly bonus.
End of the Quarter
Better yet, if you can’t wait until the end of the year, but can hold out a few months, then it’s a good idea to visit a dealership at the end of a quarter. Like all businesses, dealerships have quarterly revenue goals, and the pressure to meet them is on the sales team.
Look for Holiday Sales
You’ve probably seen or heard advertisements for huge car sales over various weekends throughout the year. Dealerships pour money into these advertisements because they depend on three-day holiday weekends to meet their revenue goals. If you really need a car now, and there’s a three-day weekend around the corner, try to wait it out because that’s when you’ll find the best sales.
Best Times of the Week to Buy a Vehicle in Jacksonville
Hitting the car dealership on the right day of the week can also impact your car-buying outcome. Mondays are often the best day of the week to buy a car. This is when showrooms tend to be less crowded, which allows sales staff to provide you with more personalized attention.
With fewer customers, salespeople can give you a more personal experience, making it easier for you to negotiate and explore different models. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are also favorable, particularly in areas where dealerships* are closed on Sundays. Midweek days can lead to more relaxed negotiations and better deals.
Shop Old Models When New Models Arrive
Unless you’re really committed to owning the latest and greatest model of the car you want, there’s no need to shop for next year’s model, which is usually released the year prior. Instead, try shopping for the current year’s model right before or right when the newer models arrive at the lot. There’s always pressure to move old models to make room for newer models, which typically arrive in the spring and summer.
Another trick you can try is when you’re at the dealership, take a look at the details on the paperwork attached to a new car. You’ll notice a manufactured date, usually simply listed as “date.” The older that date, the more motivated a salesperson will be to move it off the lot.
How to Finance Your Car
Once you’ve planned out when you want to shop for your car, it’s time to think about how you’re going to finance your purchase.
When shopping around for an auto loan, consider working with a credit union rather than a bank. Credit union loans often have lower interest rates, come with additional benefits, and are usually easier to get. Keep in mind, your credit history and income will play a significant factor in what type of loan you’re able to get.
Auto Loans at Community First Credit Union of Florida
It's easy to apply online, and our team of financing experts can help you find the best auto loan. From buying your first car to financing your dream ride and everything in between, Community First Credit Union has affordable loan options to get you in the driver's seat. Lending decisions are made locally and we can approve your loan in minutes. In 2023, CardRates.com recognized us as the most trustworthy choice for auto loans in the state of Florida.
Learn More About Financing a Car
- How to Qualify for a Car Loan
- How Much Car Can You Afford?
- How to Lower Your Car Payment
- Loan Terminology to Know
- Factors that Affect Auto Loan Rates
- RV Financing in Florida
All information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only. The Community First Credit Union of Florida (“Credit Union”) makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity, of any information. The credit unionCredit Union is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided AS IS and with no warranties and confers no rights.
The Credit Union is not responsible for material that is found through non-credit union links posted on this blog site. Ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.
